Membrane tension homeostasis of epithelial cells through surface area regulation in response to osmotic stress

► The way membrane tension is regulated by adaption of the cell's surface area. ► A new way towards simultaneous determination of membrane tension and surface area. ► Swelling and shrinking induce alteration in tension buffering membrane reservoirs. ► Epithelial cells (MDCKII) adjust their surface area in response to tension changes. ► Lysis of the plasma membrane is prevented by loosening membrane-actin links.